When looking at your home's shingled roof, at first glance, it may seem to be in good condition. And, since you have not found any evidence of leaks inside your house, you may feel that this reaffirms that belief.
However, there is a chance that water could still be seeping under the shingles, where the moisture may already be damaging the plywood underneath. Below are a couple of signs that this may be the case and that you may need to have a professional take a look at your roof.
1. Presence of Fungal or Algae Growth Around the Shingles' Edges
One sign that your shingles may have water leaking under them is the presence of fungal or algae growth around their edges. This growth will usually be present in shady areas of your roof since mold, mildew, and algae require both moisture and shade to thrive.
If there is growth around the shingles' edges, its presence does indicate a good possibility that the areas underneath the shingles are staying wet. And, since the layer of growth will further trap moisture, the moisture will only increase, causing possible catastrophic damage to the shingles and the plywood underneath if something is not done about it.
2. Discoloration and/or Degradation of the Shingle's Surfaces
Another sign that there may already be water leakage under the shingles is when the shingles' surfaces start to appear discolored and/or show signs of degradation. You can find these areas by comparing the rest of the roof with shingles that have not been affected by excessive moisture.
If water seeps under and becomes trapped beneath the shingles, it will start to eat away at the material and cause the surfaces the wear down. As a result, the surfaces will not only be a different color but also appear rougher and more uneven than the rest of the roof's shingles.
Even if you do not see any water leaks inside of your home, if you notice the signs discussed above when looking at your home's shingles, there is a good possibility that water is leaking under them. If so, the underlayment and unseen structures of your home may already be damaged. Contact a contractor who offers residential roofing services in your area to schedule a time for them to inspect your roof to make sure that this is not the case. If damage is found, you can then discuss with them what needs to be done.